How Petroleum Engineers in South Carolina get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical South Carolina compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $96,700 | $73,500 | $125,700 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $120,200 | $91,300 | $156,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $138,200 | $105,000 | $179,600 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $165,800 | $126,000 | $215,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $187,900 | $142,800 | $244,200 |
Top occupations by median pay in South Carolina — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in South Carolina
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Petroleum Engineer salary in South Carolina is $138,200 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $105,000 and the 75th at $179,600.
Pay-wise, South Carolina sits -12% below the national Petroleum Engineer median ($157,000). Wages run below the national median, but cost of living is often correspondingly lower; net purchasing power may be similar to higher-paying states.
Senior Petroleum Engineers (10–14 years of experience) in South Carolina earn around $165,800 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $187,900 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), South Carolina ranks 39th for Petroleum Engineer pay. The highest-paying state pays around $219,800 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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